Eagle Scout Board of Review {Joseph Passed}

Troop mates Caleb and Joseph await their Eagle Scout Boards of Review.

On one hand, Joseph's formal interview for Eagle Scout Rank resembled a 'rubber stamp' experience for a job well done and completed exactly according to the prescribed formula.  

On the other hand, Joseph's Eagle Scout Board of Review included escalating levels of anxiety and a drawn out suspense-filled wait in the hallway after the lengthy interview with an unfortunate precedence nagging his memory, "The last time I had to wait this long for an answer, it was 'No.'"

Whatcom District's Eagle Coordinator gives board of review and public speaking pointers.

Joseph's Scouting career includes many highlights, including serving as Senior Patrol Leader as well as two-time patrol leader of his Burning Bullfrog Patrol.  Jettisoning his patrol to earn the prestigious National Honor Patrol (twice), Joseph's leadership and his patrol's eagerness to achieve set the bar high for Troop 3's other patrols.  Improved communication skills and self confidence blossomed from his experience as troop scribe and chaplain's aid, and various other positions of leadership along the way.  Strong bonds of friendship and healthy doses of competitive sports and group games inspired Joseph to keep suiting up and showing up throughout his years in the troop.

The community Eagle board panel passed Joseph; Mrs. Quinn was his troop witness, and Tim the proud papa.

Paddling the Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit (twice) and hiking the 50 mile North Cascades trek Cross to Ross, along with many other Scouting adventures, Joseph certainly advanced in his leadership and survival skills in the great outdoors as well as the more mundane indoors.  Advancing in character, faithfully living the Scout Oath and Law, and maturing into a fine young man along the trails and trials, Joseph earned the highest rank in Boy Scouts.  When the official application clears the national level, it will be official and Joseph will be awarded the Rank of Eagle Scout.

Congratulations, Joseph!
Congratulations, Caleb!

Graduated {Home School +}

With all the pomp and circumstance one could hope for, Zachary received his Associates in Arts and Science and his high school diploma.  Ending his twelve year journey in our Catholic home school, combined with his two years at the local community college in the running start program, Zachary was recognized with honors.  With a stellar academic record behind him and a challenging course of study at the University of Notre Dame ahead of him, Zachary's graduation gave us a great reason to celebrate.

Diploma (cover) in hand, Zachary holds back a giant smile, but lets a little one escape.

The fine bleacher seating for the commencement ceremony left comfort out of the question for the five of us with the coveted tickets for entry.  Meanwhile, Tim's mom (Grandma Billie) and my dad (Grandpa Pete) lounged in cushy theater chairs watching the event unfold on a big screen TV in the overflow seating area on campus.  We arrived early enough to claim top row seats in the bleachers, giving us the benefit of a back rest and fine viewpoint.  By God's grace, Zachary's seat, in the sea of caps and gowns, was nearly directly below us.  From such a close vantage point, we witnessed one of his instructors giving him an enthusiastic, loving greeting as Zachary took his seat after the procession. 

Zachary with Grandpa Pete

 

Grandpa Cliff and Grandma Billie share Zachary's joyful occasion.

Joseph, me, Zachary, Peter and Tim

The unforeseen highlight of Zachary's commencement event came at the cake and punch reception in the plaza following the formal ceremonies.  That same instructor we had witnessed giving Zac such a friendly greeting in the gym sought out my husband, Tim, to tell him in person what a fine young man and exceptional scholar he knew in Zachary.  Introducing himself as Zachary's logic instructor, he said,

"Zachary has one of the brightest minds I have ever come across.  I've been CEO of corporations and taught PhD level courses, and Zachary ... should be going directly to graduate school."

We give all the glory to God for the gifts He's given Zachary in mind, heart, soul and strength.  We are grateful for the gift of freedom and specifically for religious liberty~ making it possible for us to provide him with a Catholic education at home.

Washington State AA Champions {Sehome Swim and Dive Team}

AA STATE CHAMPIONS 2012

Sehome HS Swim & Dive Team

Making headlines and winning admiration from all corners of our state, Sehome HS swim and dive team captured the title of Washington State AA Champions for the fourth straight year.  Front page spreads yesterday and today celebrate the team winnings and the individuals who made it happen:

PREP BOYS' SWIMMING: Close-knit Sehome team hoping to continue championship success

DAVID RASBACH - THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

Read more here: http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2012/02/19/2401575/prep-boys-swimming-close-knit.html#storylink=cpy

FEDERAL WAY - Sehome senior Zac Adams wore a smile as big as the trophy he was lugging off the pool deck at the King County Aquatic Center on Saturday, Feb. 18.

And why shouldn't he?

(Read the rest of today's Bellingham Herald article.)

Read more here: http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2012/02/19/2401575/prep-boys-swimming-close-knit.html#storylink=cpy

 

4th straight title: SHS Swim & Dive State Champions '09, '10, '11 and 2012

True to his super-analytical side, Zachary figured out the team's stroke and distance statistics for the season:

• 7 million strokes swam by the team this season
• 150 thousand strokes per swimmer
• 142 miles swam per swimmer this season
• 5000 yards swam per day, per swimmer

 Impressive numbers, impressive team, impressive season.

Prior to the state meet finals, Captain Zachary lead his last team cheer with gusto.

Hauling off the loot, Zachary claims the trophy for Sehome 

CONGRATULATIONS SEHOME SWIM AND DIVE TEAM;
CONGRATULATIONS CAPTAIN ZACHARY!

Turning 12 {Peter}

Peter together with friends Collin, Enoch, Judah, (a happy brother) Joseph, Nick and Aaron on his 12th birthday

In this ongoing season of celebrations, yesterday marked the 12th birthday for our youngest, Peter.  An afternoon patrol outing at the local swimming pool kicked things off; hanging out at home with a Mexican dinner and an ice cream pie dessert rounded off the festivities.    Since Peter and my dad share a birthday, a double birthday party will be held tomorrow night with Grandpa Pete (and more family members) before Zac's away swim meet in Renton. 

Peter pours the bubbly (apple cider)

 One + Two = 12 years old

Happy Birthday Peter and Dad/Grandpa Pete!

Birthday Wrap Up {Bridget's 44}

Opening my new pressure cooker (from Tim) with glee

A day to remember, my 44th birthday brought love and laughs, plus many blessings and graces.  After successfully ejecting Zachary from his bed (two minutes after his Logic class began), and sending him off with a cooler full of food to fuel his tank on meet day, the boys and I began dissembling the Christmas tree.  Our usual visit to Sacred Heart for confession and Mass was graced by Father Qui Thac's birthday prayer for me during the general intercessions.  Witnessing Joseph and Peter (and Zac) as altar servers always brings me great joy and such gratitude for the gift of faith we share and practice.  After Mass we stopped for a splurge on smoothies, then a brief stop at home before departing for Zac's swim meet in Mt. Vernon with Tim and Grandpa Cliff.  Cousin Pat met us in the stands to cheer.


A smashing victory for his swim team, and a PR for Zachary in the backstroke made the stifling heat and uncomfortable bleachers bearable enjoyable.  With written request, we were able to snatch Zachary from the team bus and head to a steak house for a birthday dinner (on Grandma Patty and Grandpa Pete thanks to gift certificates).  The lighting (or lack thereof) gave the restaurant a cave-like quality, but after about an hour our pupils were fully dilated and we could see each other and our food. 

About to enjoy dessert #1, on the house at Outback; wearing my new hat

Opening cards and gifts, being showered with loving calls, texts and many messages on my FB page, the day just kept getting better and better.  Capped off with not one, but two desserts, this birthday evening concludes with me feeling completely spoiled and totally blessed.  Thank you for your kind wishes!

Ready to extinguish the flames on dessert #2: key lime pie made by Joseph; Peter's warming up for his birthday next week!

St. John Neumann, pray for us!

11.11.11 @ 11:11:11

Joseph and Peter eagerly anticipate the golden moment on 11/11/11 

Sometimes the little things are the big things.  Today's 11/11/11 @ 11:11:11 gave cause for celebration (albeit a quiet one as the twins were napping).  Joseph in particular, loves a reason to be festive.  His excitement for 11.11... gave him motive to complete his algebra assignment before the magic moment.  He also made this the exact second on which he launched his 2011 Christmas Wish List (always a must for Grandma Billie by Thanksgiving time).  The delights found within this simple anomaly in time make me smile.

Happy Veteran's Day today to all those who have served in our armed forces.  Thank you for your sacrifices.  We appreciate your service to our country.  May you be blessed.

PS: The temperature on the clock reflects an indoor reading!